What equipment do you need for a home sleep study?

Home sleep studies (HSAT & HST) are revolutionizing the diagnostic process for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Gone are the days when you have to spend thousands for an overnight stay at a clinic, hooked up to machines. Now, people can take the first step in diagnosing OSA in the comfort of their own home. Home sleep study equipment is portable, easy to use, and accurate when it comes to detecting the respiratory effects of obstructive sleep apnea. If you’ve decided that an at-home test is what’s right for you, you may be wondering what the process entails. So, what equipment do you need for a home sleep study?

Why the right equipment matters

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These respiratory events can be caused by a wide variety of obstructions that narrow the airway, but they all have the same result: apnea. Pauses in breathing, known as apnea, reduce oxygen levels, cause micro-awakenings during sleep, and can lead to long-term health risks. The number of apneas that occur during sleep, also known as the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), is the key factor in diagnosing sleep apnea and measuring its severity. According to neurologist Dr. Guy Leschziner, “We’re looking for how frequently people are having respiratory events and how low their oxygen levels are dropping over the course of the night.” That’s why accurate data is crucial for a diagnosis, and for that, you need the right equipment. So, what exactly does a home sleep test kit consist of?

1. HSAT device

The portable HSAT device is a small electronic device that is worn during sleep, usually strapped around your chest. It connects to several sensors and collects data throughout the night.

1. Nasal cannula

The nasal cannula, or airflow sensor, is a thin tube that fits under the nose. It measures airflow in and out of the nostrils, detecting subtle pressure changes and pauses in breathing. Studies show that these sensors are fairly accurate when compared with traditional polysomnography.

1. Respiratory effort sensors

These sensors are worn around the chest and abdomen to measure the effort it takes for your body to breathe during sleep. By measuring the expansion and contraction of your chest, they can help distinguish between airway blockage (OSA) and the absence of breathing (CSA).

1. Pulse oximeter

Pulse oximeters are small clips attached to your finger that record oxygen levels and heart rate throughout the night. If you’ve ever had a stay in a hospital, you’ve probably worn one before! While oximetry alone isn’t enough to diagnose sleep apnea, it can be an important piece of the puzzle during your sleep test, with 97% accuracy in detecting moderate to severe OSA.

1. Microphone or vibration sensor

Some kits also include a microphone or vibration sensor placed on the throat to monitor snoring frequency and intensity, as snoring is a hallmark of OSA. These additional sensors have also been shown to increase the accuracy of at-home testing.

1. Body position sensor

According to Leschziner, “when we're lying flat on our back, there is a mechanical narrowing of that airway, and if that's significant enough, it can cause an increased resistance to breathing and can disrupt sleep.” That’s why some tests come with sensors that track changes in your body position. Interestingly, up to 50% of patients have sleep-position-dependent OSA.

Get your at home test for sleep apnea. No sleep lab required!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a home sleep study as reliable as a lab sleep study?
Home sleep studies are highly effective at detecting moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, though they may miss more complex sleep disorders. For many patients suspected of OSA, they are considered a valid first-line diagnostic option.

Do you need a doctor’s prescription for a home sleep study?
Yes. Most providers require a prescription because a physician must evaluate your symptoms, order the test, and interpret the results before a formal diagnosis can be made.

How long does a home sleep study take?
Typically, the test runs for one night, though some doctors may recommend two nights to gather more comprehensive data, especially if symptoms are inconsistent.

Is home sleep study equipment difficult to use?
The equipment is designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions and support from the testing provider. Most patients are able to set up the sensors and device without assistance.

Can children use home sleep study equipment?
While home sleep testing is most common for adults, pediatric use depends on age, symptoms, and physician guidance. Younger patients may require an in-lab study for greater monitoring.

What happens after the test?
Once the device records your data, you return it to the provider or upload results remotely. A sleep specialist reviews the recordings and generates a report, which is then shared with your doctor to guide treatment decisions.

Get your at home test for sleep apnea. No sleep lab required!